In the world we live in, downturns are inevitable. I’m all for there not being a downturn any time soon; however, you can’t help but read the headlines and wonder if something is about to change. It’s pretty common knowledge that when there is a downturn, you’re not supposed to stop marketing. But why do people do it? I can see cutting some superbowl ads, but we don’t advise cutting the most cost effective marketing medium (promotional items)!

In 2008 I had the opportunity to be involved with many companies who took advantage of the downturn (their competitors slashing their marketing budgets). With the expectations that sales would slow, I followed my own advice and actually increased marketing and client-related travel spend. That year, working for a small/local promotional distributor, we ended up having our best year ever (at that time). The clients that we served pushed harder to gain visibility and market share, and thrived. As you plan for 2019 and fear the occasional downturn news, keep marketing – because at the end of the day, marketing is your voice and brings the results you want.

Throwback to 2009 … t-shirts for the Hampton conference!

Such a baby!

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Many clients are well into planning for 1st and 2nd quarter 2019. What does your year look like? Will you have new hires, or perhaps growth with new clients? Will you be thanking VIPS? When the person signs on the dotted line to join your team or your cause, what do they receive?

A carefully planned welcome set can help increase brand love for your company, reduce buyers (decision) remorse, and sometimes even instill a bit of gratitude towards your company or initiative. When you’re reviewing that marketing or HR budget, be sure to save some money to welcome those that join you.

Customize a welcome kit for your audience

Can’t see the picture? Click HERE. Questions? Ideas? Let’s talk! Email me at nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com.

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Whether you’re sending out food gifts to your clients, or on the receiving end at the corporate office – they are part of the holiday season year after year. Don’t be that person that sends the dreaded tin of stale (what are they, shortbread?) cookies that look 1980.

Let us help you wow your clients, teams, or their families with food gifts that stand out. My fave two years running are Sugarfina bento boxes, sure to surprise and delight just about anyone.

Sweet Success

There are many more cool ideas in a variety of price points, let’s talk!
Email nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com.

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We’ve all been there, you realize it eventually – whether it’s after you walk away from the car dealership and knew you didn’t get the best deal, or weeks later when the product or service ‘they’ promised wasn’t what ‘they’ said it was.

I had the opportunity to attend the Cruise World conference in Fort Lauderdale today and see clearly, the person in charge of the lanyards was oversold. Sure it’s not a car, but you still don’t need the clip on both the lanyard and the holder. The question is, did the buyer ask the salesperson to come in and fix it with the safety pin? They should have, and the better salesperson (if they realized it was a mistake) would have quickly offered the solution. With thousands of attendees, this is actually not an easy work-around. What type of salespeople do you work with?

We are planning on partnering with you for the long term, not the quick oversell. Can’t read this post? Click HERE.

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In the world of promos, every day feels like Christmas. We have the opportunity to share new products and send gifts to clients regularly, while my vendors are also sending me packages of promos each week. It’s always the season of giving and sharing in my line of work.

When it’s time for THE gift to give clients during this special time of year, I struggle like many of you. Each client means the world to me, but when there are many clients all over the world it can be a logistical challenge (and of course there’s the challenge to be creative!).

A Boundless colleague created these festive little lip balm sets that I am absolutely loving today! Are you like me and in need of a little inspiration for gifts for your VIPs, team, or clients? Check out the Boundless Holiday lookbook HERE.

Festive & Fun

Having trouble viewing this post? Click here. Questions, feedback, or opportunities? Email me at nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com.

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It can be a little tricky when you need … ohh 10+ logos on one promotional item.  The problem is solved beautifully with this full wrap imprint on our Basecamp wide mouth vacuum insulated bottle.  It is one of my faves not only for the decoration superstardom, but also the hot/cold factor (hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24 hours).   Let’s just say, it’s a win-win.

Can’t see the video?  Click HERE.  Questions?  Email me at nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com, be sure to follow #thepromodiaries on instagram and subscribe for the latest updates!

music cred: Kygo

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I wish I had a crystal ball and had known about the marketing opportunities on your cell phone.

Gone are the days of custom iPhone cases and now enter … so many new variables for that coveted cell phone space!  One of the first promo items to market was the card holder silicone wallets that attached to the back of your case. This product category was and still continues to be perfect for hotel card keys and a few credit cards on a night out.   Then the cult-like following of the PopSockets happened, this is my personal fave for texting, kids watching movies, and holding the phone while running.   There is basically everything in between from leather wallets that have rings for easy texting, to silicone wallets with RFID and even the latest find – the sling grip in multiple sizes for all of your electronic devices.  Which one works best for your organization?  – Let’s talk!

The bottom line is, in your storage room or at your event, consider a cell phone promo a necessity along side that of your staple logoed pen.

Questions?  Email me at nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com, be sure to follow me on instagram and subscribe for the latest updates!

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I live in the promo world and most people tend to call promotional merchandise ‘SWAG’ (stuff we all get).   Yes there are plenty of times where that budget pen or key chain flashlight is needed, and in those instances I would also call it SWAG.  More recently, people are interested in the unique and memorable.  Incorporating your brand into the lifestyle of the recipients is not only beneficial to marketers like myself and our clients, but more desirable to the end recipients of course.   Call it staying power, ROI, power of promotions … at Boundless, we call it Brand Love.  Let’s make your next promotion memorable, contact me for more details, nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com.

A decorative, functional piece but more importantly a memory of their favorite wine.

A gift of gratitude? This cruise line gives blank cards to their travel agents (who in turn utilize to thank their cruisers)…

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Can your calendar do this?  Consider a paper calendar for 2018, but one up it with a digital component and ability to easily measure ROI.  This little number, available in a variety of sizes and styles will be sure to turn heads (not to mention, sure to add additional messaging opportunities!).

Questions?  Email me at nmcnamee@boundlessnetwork.com, be sure to follow me on instagram and subscribe for the latest updates!

Can’t see the video?  Click HERE.

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